Technology is moving fast, and hotels of all types have to anticipate the technology that will make their guests lives easier during their stay. As consumer technology becomes more affordable, guests are no longer terribly impressed by flat-screen televisions, integrated CD players and films on-demand; they can have that at home. What does impress them is when the technology improves the service, which in turn improves their experience.
Futuristic hotels have been the subject of many treatments in film, television dramas and books. In most cases, these hotels have a clinical look and feel to them, which is not at all what todays guest wants to experience. They want the comfort, style and design of a great hotel, with the convenience that technology affords them. Forward-looking hotels of all types have recognised this and have begun to install technology systems that allow them to provide higher levels of service to guests.
Control
To make guests feel at home, hotels have learned to put them in charge. The more control guests have over their experience, the happier they are. Flexible kitchens allow guests to have breakfast whenever they want to, and technology systems allow them to set up the room the best way for them: programme your media system with exactly the right track to wake you up in the morning, control your air-conditioning from a system by the pool so that your rooms just the right temperature when you return to it, or use a touch-screen to check in rather than waiting in a queue at the reception desk. These and other technological advances will give you as the guest greater control over what happens to you in the hotel and it works well both for the guest and for the hotel. Future advances could include:
Key-less room access Remote ordering of food and drink Adjustment of room features from the pool/terrace/beach Service adapting to ongoing intelligence of your needs
There are already hotels putting systems in place that remember what guests choose from the menu and what they like to drink so that the next time they visit, their favourite cocktail is waiting in their room and the right music is playing. As boutique hotels continue to adapt the available technology to exceed the expectations of their guests, they will become increasingly popular places to stay.
The American Express Hilton Honors allows the cardholders to benefit from the Hilton HHonors signature benefits and rewards program. If you frequently stay at the Hilton Hotels and are also enrolled in the Hilton HHonors program, then the Hilton HHonors Platinum American Express will let you win points for free stays at the HHonors Hotels and making purchases. The card also makes you eligible for travel rewards and other benefits.
The Facilities Of The Hilton Hhonors Platinum American Express Card
The points on the card never cancelled or invalidated as long as the card is active. There are no set limits on the points that can be earned annually. The card also comes without any annual fee or pre-set spending limit. The card offers a low introductory APR (2.90%) and balance transfers; it makes you eligible for the regular platinum benefits from the American Express.
The card's reward program depends on the points you earn through your purchases, which can be solely used at the Hilton chain of hotels. You will gain 5 points (along with 3 points for hotel stays in future) on your card for every dollar you spend. You can also earn 5 points on your card, if you make buys from gas stations, restaurants, drugstores, supermarkets, and the likes. Moreover, with qualifying hotel stays, the cardholder stands to gain points as well as frequent flyer miles. You can use your points when they have added up to a minimum of 7500 points. The category of the hotel will determine a free night (ranging between 10,000 points to 40,000 points).
You must be informed that the purchase of the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is high. However, for the initial six months, the introductory APR appears to be low. Though, later on the rate shoots up. The card also does not have any annual fee.
Additional Benefits
The Hilton HHonors Card promises you a host of facilities. The card provides protection from fraud and also offers you extended warranties and purchase protection. The Hilton HHonors Platinum American Express Card also gives you travel benefits like car rental insurance, roadside assistance, medical referral services, a global assist hotline, no liability for unauthorized Internet transactions, legal referral services, up to $100,000 travel accident insurance, various discounts, year-end financial statement, Internet account related services, access to special events, emergency cash replacement and guaranteed hotel reservations.
If you are a frequent visitor to the Hilton family of hotels, then the accumulated points from this card will save your money quicker than the other hotel reward cards on offer. However, it will be advisable to think twice before opting for this card, if you happen to carry balance every month, especially after the low introductory rate ceases; the high interest rate will considerably reduce the savings you earn through the points.
Both Chic Retreats & Devlin Gilliland are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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